Two companies were recently fined after a worker received serious electrical burns during demolition work.
What happened?
Two workers were removing electrical distribution equipment from a switchgear room at a site in Essex. Mr Banks had been told by the principal contractor that the electrical equipment had been isolated. In order to reassure his colleague that it was safe, he threw a crowbar at the 400V ac equipment. The crowbar came into contact with live exposed wires, causing a flashover and temperatures of several thousand degrees, followed by a fire. Mr Banks suffered serious burns and was hospitalised as a result.
What did the HSE find?
The HSE found that the task being carried out had not been properly planned and suitable control measures were not implemented to ensure the isolation of the power supply. The principal contractor failed to follow the clear procedure outlined in their risk assessments and method statements, which identified all equipment must be treated as live unless written authorisation proved otherwise.
What was the outcome in court?
Russell Haigh and Stuart Haigh (Partners of R B Haighs & Sons) of Thaxted, Essex, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and have been fined £80,000 with costs of £3,882.65.
AJ Wadhams & Co Limited trading as Wadham Homes of Charterhouse Street, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £80,000 with costs of £3,816.60.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Adam Hills said: “This incident has had a significant impact on Mr Banks’ life and the injuries could so very easily have been fatal. Had the companies followed the control measures outlined in their respective risk assessments, then this incident would not have occurred. Never assume that an electrical supply is disconnected. Always check with the Distribution Network Operator or a qualified electrician to obtain written proof of isolation before commencing work.”
Further advice
There are some simple precautions that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of electrical injury to you and others around you – read here.
The downloadable HSE leaflet electrical safety and you provides details of how you can work safely near electricity.
Summary
- Carry out a risk assessment for the work you are planning and make sure this covers electrical hazards.
- Learn how to recognise electrical wires. These may be overhead power lines, electrical wiring in the workplace or cables buried underground.
- Work away from electrical wiring wherever possible. If you have to work near electrical wiring or equipment, ask for the electrical supply to be turned off.